A mountain river flows into a large, stunning lake. The waters reflect silver in the day and under moonlight. A plain of gentle hills and forests surround the lake. Herds of elk are native here.
Relief washed over Shifty, everyone was cool, no more fighting for awhile he hoped. I not gonna reject medical attention. Hey Eon got anything strong to help with the pain? Some liquor really sound good. Shifty wasnt in the talking mood anymore, drilled by is new allies and beat up by his new rivals. All he wanted to do was collapse on his nice warm bed back home. A sense of exhaustion and brain deadness came over him when he thought of his home.
There would have been no hesitation for Eon to go find a medic. In fact, he already had his wings spread and ready for takeoff when he heard Shifty say his name. The memories of the party came flashing back. He wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to remember them right now. Had he really been so depressed that he had shown up drunk with a half-finished bottle of alcohol? The thought embarrassed him, but he forced a smile and chuckled. “I’m afraid I don’t,” he replied before taking to the skies.
He flew around in search of Ceartas, but it seemed she was not around. Fortunately, he was able to find someone else who could help. He would then scent out and find the den Enya had mentioned, and lead them in that direction, gesturing for them to enter and assist the wild dog in need.
ooc. I took some liberties with the healing hut.I gave the NPC a name unless someone had something specific in mind. Feel free to say she tended your wounds, etc.
Caedwyn nodded in approval when Eon suggested going to find another medic, and it would be good to keep a lookout in case any of the Verdantians had followed their trail back to the Kingdom. Once Eon had taken flight, Caedwyn turned his attention to Shifty and Enya. He gave Enya a reassuring nudge with his nose under his chin as he stepped next to her and remained close as he followed the direction Eon had led them until finally they had come upon a shelter: a hut made of chopped logs and branches placed carefully to form rudimentary walls and a slanted top that served as a roof. A female coyote - a healer from their kingdom - was already waiting outside (presumably summoned by Eon) and was beckoning them inside.
"Looks like Eon found some help for us," Caedwyn said, giving a little positivity to the situation before he moved inside the hut. "Come, Shifty. Maeb will tend to your wounds. Enya, sit here." He motioned toward a soft bed of furs and watched patiently as the healer began gathering supplies: little strips of fabric and damp cloths and bowls of ointment. He settled down next to the place he had reserved for Enya and looked around the hut. It was dim, but warm and quiet; and the air inside was still, smelling of dried herbs and incense.
"Hmm," Caedwyn murmured softly as he watched, thinking over the situation. "I suppose Shifty will need a place to stay. The Verdantians may come for him again if he were to leave here." He paused for a moment in thought before continuing. "Seeing how he has come to the aid of my mate, perhaps he is deserving of a place here in Duskorna? Unless any of you have another idea?"
They made it, Eon had led the way to the healing hut. Shifty listened to the very commanding wolf and limped his was inside to rest and recuperate. Maeb did here thing. Its nice to meet you Maeb thanks for tending my wounds. Enya fixed me up what she could, we had a tussle with some Verdantins on the border. Names Shifty.
Shifty settled down to hear what Enya and the 'Commanding wolf' had to discuss about his future. Eon thank you for leading the way here. I owe all of you a favor. For saving me. Shifty didnt know how long he had to stay here or how long they were gonna make him stay here.
He probably should be 100% before he does the Trial of Tsillah.
Eon took wing and headed out to find a healer. Caedwyn took charge of the situation and walked along with her and Shifty to the hut. As they walked, Enya worried over her actions and what it might mean for the future of Duskorna. When they arrived, Enya was thankful to see one of their healers and Eon ready and waiting. As expected, the healer immediately went to tending Shifty's wounds. She, herself, settled where Caedwyn suggested - but not for long.
"You're right. You do owe a favor, but not to us. You owe Tsillah for altering the course of your life on this day. She sees your Will, and it is your duty to rise to her challenge. Caedwyn is right. You did not run when they approached. You stood your ground to them and aided me. If you hadn't stood beside me, I may very well be between their jaws right now. If you want a home, know that Duskorna has room for a Will like yours." Enya's gaze shifted to Eon, "Unless Eon says otherwise." If her noble knew him, he would have the final say.
With medical attention given to Shifty, Enya stood. "Caedwyn, Eon, will you follow me? I want to talk with the council." She turned towards Maeb before stating, "He is to be given food and water until he is fat with sleep. If there is anything specific he desires and we have the means to provide, it is his to indulge in tonight." She wanted him to feast and feel like the hero he was. With her instructions delivered, she turned and exited the hut and paced a distance away - far enough to be out of Shifty and Maeb's earshot.
Once she was sure she was no longer in Shifty or Maeb's view, Enya dropped her head and folded her ears backwards. She let out a long sigh and when joined by her council, admitted with a low tone, "I... I might have fucked up today.". She kept her gaze averted from both Caedwyn and Eon and down towards the ground. She was showing submission and worry to the two of them, already anticipating their reactions to her crime, "When I found Shifty... well... I found him only after crossing into their borders."
Eon waited just outside the den to leave enough room for Maeb to get to work, but he positioned himself close enough to hear the conversation in case he was needed. Curiosity filled him as he listened to the monarchs discussing whether Shifty should stay. He agreed that if Shifty had stood his ground and fought alongside Enya in her time of need, then perhaps he would be a worthy candidate. However, he hesitated when asked for his opinion.
It was true that he had met Shifty briefly before, but the interaction was fleeting, and he had forgotten many of the details. He didn’t want to give his word only for the wild dog to turn out untrustworthy, so he chose his next words carefully. “If Shifty did stand beside you in battle, then I think he has proven himself a worthy candidate for Duskorna,” he replied, offering no details about their previous interaction, mostly because he couldn’t remember it. If the event was so forgettable, it likely meant nothing bad had happened, right?
Enya then stated she wished to speak with the council. Eon stood up and followed her lead away from the den. He noticed the look on the monarch's face and instantly felt a nervous sensation in his gut ."I... I might have fucked up today" Enya said. Fucked up? How? Eon wondered. She had saved Shifty’s life; how could that be a mistake? Still, she seemed quite worried, and he remained silent to allow her to explain.
"When I found Shifty... well... I found him only after crossing into their borders." So she had trespassed before finding Shifty. But was there a reason? Thoughts began to swirl in his mind, trying to make sense of what happened, until he was snapped out of it. The truth was, he didn’t know. Sure, he had psychic abilities he could use to find out, but he didn’t want to invade Enya’s personal space like that. He trusted her and believed she had a good reason. Even if she didn’t… well, it wasn’t like she had marched in with an army and threatened them. There was still no excuse for attacking her like that— a single wolf and an injured wild dog.
Eon still couldn’t blame Enya, even if she had trespassed. He felt anger boiling inside him, and when he closed his eyes, he was once again confronted by the blinding light that tried to confine him. “You know, the side of the river could be ours if it weren’t infested with Ohr-worshippers.” He was surprised as the words left his mouth, feeling himself stiffen. He hadn’t made much progress deciphering the hazy memories that flooded his brain. He knew he was angry, and he fully believed it was Ohr's doing, but he couldn’t let that cloud his judgment. “I—I mean,” he forced himself to relax a little. “They still ganged up on you for no good reason, targeting a single wolf and an injured wild dog. I guess I can understand a warning to leave the area if they thought you were a threat, but it should have been obvious that the two of you weren’t hostile.”
Warm, Welcome, Wanted, Shifty had finally found a family since his transfer into the new realms. He wanted to be here. Shifty didnt know what the future held for him but he knew he could rely on the people around him. As he lay in the hut slowly healing he showed interest in Maebs technique and expertise. Maybe Shifty could learn to be a Healer like Maeb. He would bring it up with Enya Later. Sleep was creepin in on his vision He had a long day nearly drowning, fight and running for his life, meeting new people and reuniting with old acquaintances. What a day.
Caedwyn gave a nod of agreement and farewell as he followed Enya and Eon outside the healing hut. He was pleased for now. It seemed they had gained another warrior to their cause and Shifty had already proven himself useful. Caedwyn was interested to see how he would fair in the future. His steps slowed when they were far enough from the hut to be out of earshot and his eyes looked to Enya with curiosity when her ears folded back. She had been trespassing. He hadn't expected it from her. Not that it should have surprised him. Hell, he remembered when he'd led her on secret trespassing mission in Athadia back when she led their old pack. But still, somehow he hadn't seen this coming. His curiosity increased as the thoughts of why she'd be trespassing swirled in his head.
“You know, the side of the river could be ours if it weren’t infested with Ohr-worshippers.” Eon responded first and Caedwyn looked between him and then back to Enya. Her whole body seemed submissive and apologetic. It was rather surprising to him seeing her like this. Eon was quick to lay the blame on the Ohr-worshippers, though Caedwyn couldn't say he would have done any different. If someone from Verdantis had been trespassing in his territory, he would be quick to attack as well. But he didn't say anything to lay blame on Enya. Instead, he pushed his nose under hers and gave a quick upward motion, like a little "chin-up".
"They have no rights to that territory, so there is no blame to be found in your actions, Enya," he said, his voice a little stern. He didn't like seeing her lower herself that way. He knew she meant well, but she was their Monarch. She didn't need to prostrate herself before them like this or seek their forgiveness. "Eon is right. The river would belong to us - to Tsillah - if it weren't for those Ohr-lovers. I see no reason any of us should be concerned with their so-called borders." As far as he was concerned, if any member of Duskorna wanted to go raiding in Verdantis territory, they could do so at their own risk. But that was just it, wasn't it. It was a risk. Enya was strong and yet, she'd needed this stranger to aid her. It was concerning.
"But, we shouldn't be reckless," he said, his tone growing softer and in no way condescending. "Next time, at least bring a little back up..." his words paused at the end as he let a little teasing smile crease his lips as he looked at her.
